A United Nations judge allegedly lured a young Ugandan woman to the UK under false pretences, forcing her to work as an unpaid maid and provide childcare while she pursued her studies at the University of Oxford, a court has heard.
Lydia Mugambe, who also serves as a High Court judge in Uganda, is accused of abusing her power and status to exploit her alleged victim “in the most egregious way,” according to prosecutor Caroline Haughey KC.
The court was told that Ms Mugambe conspired with Ugandan deputy high commissioner John Leonard Mugerwa to bring the woman to the UK, under the guise of a legitimate sponsorship. In exchange, Ms Mugambe allegedly promised to influence a legal case involving Mr Mugerwa.
Prosecutors claim that from the start, Ms Mugambe’s intentions were clear: she wanted “someone to make her life easier at the least possible cost to herself.” The young woman was allegedly prevented from securing employment and forced into unpaid domestic work.
Oxford Crown Court heard that Ms Mugambe attempted to intimidate the alleged victim into dropping the case, even claiming she had diplomatic immunity due to her roles as a Ugandan judge and UN official. However, the Metropolitan Police’s diplomatic team confirmed she had no such immunity in the UK.
According to her UN profile, Ms Mugambe was appointed to the organisation’s judicial roster in May 2023—three months after police were called to her Oxfordshire residence.
The prosecution described how Ms Mugambe “took advantage of her status” to deceive the young woman into coming to the UK and created circumstances that left her financially dependent and vulnerable.
Ms Mugambe denies all four charges against her. The trial, which is expected to last three weeks, continues.
